Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which someone has 47 chromosomes instead of 46 chromosomes. There is an extra copy of chromosome 21. It i also named trisomy 21. Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic mental retardation. It is caused by an error in cell division. It effects every 1 in 800 babies. About 40%-50% of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. Most Cases of down syndrome are not inherited.

Physical Signs of Down Syndrome

• a Deep crease in the palm of the hand
• a Flat face with an upward slant to the eye
• a short neck
• abnormal shaped ears
• White spots on eye
• Small Hands and feet
• Large Tongue
• Space between 1st and 2nd toe

Health conditions often seen with Down Syndrome

• Hearing problems
• Celiac Disease
• Skeletal Problems
• Thyroid Problems
• Eye Problems (cataracts)
• Dementia
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Intestinal Problems

Work Cited

Websites:

• http://www.medicinenet.com/down_syndrome/page3.htm
• http://www.ygyh.org/ds/cause.htm
• http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html